How to get a Wisconsin marriage license

How To Get A Wisconsin Marriage License

How to get a Wisconsin marriage license

photo by Woodnote Photography

You’re planning to apply for a marriage license, you’ve lined up your two adult witnesses and booked a state-approved officiant (right?), but do you know all of the other requirements—like the five-day waiting period, the fee and more—that you’ll need to meet to make your bond official? We’ve gathered the details to ease the craziness in those final weeks before your wedding.

Wisconsin has some overarching laws on the books, but certain counties have others. Read on to find out exactly what you’ll need.

For All Wisconsin WeddingsHow to apply:

Couples (in Wisconsin, a man and a woman) must apply for a marriage license together and in person at least seven days but no more than 30 days before their scheduled wedding date. Most counties recommend applying two weeks in advance. The process takes about 20 minutes.

There is a five-day waiting period (your license is issued on the sixth day, and you can pick it up or have it mailed to you). Once the license is issued, it’s valid for 30 days and may be used anywhere in the state of Wisconsin.

What to bring to the county clerk’s office:

Valid photo ID—This could be a driver’s licence, a passport, a military ID or another state-issued ID.

Certified copy of your birth certificate—If your birth certificate does not include your parents’ full names (first, middle and last), know these as well, and make sure they are spelled correctly.

Social Security card bearing your legal name—This applies in most counties, and in this case, if you do not have a Social Security card, you must provide a letter stating the reason from the Social Security Administration. Otherwise, you’ll just need to know the number off the top of your head.

Proof of residency—One of you must have lived in the county where you’re applying for at least 30 days (unless you are both out-of-state residents—more on this later). A valid driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID stating the current address is easiest, but counties often accept your W-2, check stubs, two utility bills, etc.

Anyone who was previously married must also provide a filed copy of the final divorce judgment, legal annulment or certified death certificate. If divorced, you may not remarry in this state until six months after the divorce is final, no matter where it was granted.

The name, address and telephone number of the officiant—Check with your county regarding a letter of sponsorship for out-of-state officiants.

The location of your wedding, including municipality (city, village or township) and county.

Out-of-state couples must apply for a marriage license in the county where they will be married. They are required to present all the same documentation.

If any of the above documents is not in English, you must also provide a certified or notarized translation. If one of you cannot speak or read English, a translator must be provided (you may not translate for one another).

Who may apply: The man and the woman must be at least 18 years old to apply without the consent of their parents or guardians, but those who are 16 or 17 years old may apply if they submit a parent/guardian consent form that is completed, signed and notarized (available at the County Clerk’s office).

Distant relatives (second cousins and beyond) may marry in Wisconsin. There are certain instances when first cousins may, as well. Find out more here.

Jefferson County
Jefferson County Courthouse
320 S. Main St., Rm. 109
Jefferson, WI 53549
(920) 674-8630
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $90, cash only; if necessary, a $25 waiver fee is added
Note: In Jefferson County, the bride and groom do not need to apply together, but the five-day waiting period does not begin until both have applied

By the end of high school, Ellie Martin Cliffe was completely enamored of journalism, so she chose the most logical college major possible: anthropology. Disappointed by the minimal emphasis on writing and editing, she changed tracks and earned a comm degree from Carroll College. Ellie has since tackled many facets of the field including books, magazines and the Web at places like The Knot and Reader's Digest. She now works full time in book publishing, and is thrilled to get her wedding fix with WedInMilwaukee.com. When she isn’t wielding her (red) pen, Ellie can be found in the garden, at any concert that showcases a fiddle, playing pub trivia or in the kitchen. She and her husband live in Riverwest with their hedgehog, Guinness, and grapefruit tree, Sprout.

About Ellie Martin Cliffe

By the end of high school, Ellie Martin Cliffe was completely enamored of journalism, so she chose the most logical college major possible: anthropology. Disappointed by the minimal emphasis on writing and editing, she changed tracks and earned a comm degree from Carroll College. Ellie has since tackled many facets of the field including books, magazines and the Web at places like The Knot and Reader's Digest. She now works full time in book publishing, and is thrilled to get her wedding fix with WedInMilwaukee.com. When she isn’t wielding her (red) pen, Ellie can be found in the garden, at any concert that showcases a fiddle, playing pub trivia or in the kitchen. She and her husband live in Riverwest with their hedgehog, Guinness, and grapefruit tree, Sprout.